The newly opened Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail was the route for another first for the Rotary Club of Kaikohe. They organised a fun run and walk for the people of Northland in late October. A first because this trail, one of the first commissioned under Prime Minister John Key’s nationwide initiative has only recently opened the first stage of a beautiful, cultural and historic journey from the Bay of Islands on the east coast to the Hokianga harbour on the west. It is based on the original rail route from Opua to Okaihau and also follows many of the tracks used by the Maori in their journeys from coast to coast.
A small and enthusiastic crowd set off to run or walk 13.4 kilometres from Okaihau to Kaikohe and a second group tackled a shorter course of 8.4 kilometres starting part way along the route. Named the Okaihau Kaikohe Traverse, this was a real community effort involving the business associations of Okaihau and Kaikohe with spot prizes donated by generous businesses and individuals of the area. The contestants passed along the scenic trail which gradually climbs to a peak near Kaikohe before passing through the original rail tunnel and descending to the township. A short passage along State Highway 12 led to the finish at Mid North Motor Inn where runners and walkers could relax with a cup of coffee and barbeque fare while waiting for the prizegiving at midday.
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| There' off - start of the Traverse |
Far North District Council, the developers of the Cycle Trail were very supportive and Cycle Trail Coordinator and Rotarian Adrienne Tari provided much appreciated assistance and guidance. Club President Frank Duxfield plans to make this an annual event that can grow as the Cycle Trail grows to its Coast to Coast completion. That is, grow in numbers and also in the distances that can be run or walked. The next addition would be a Half Marathon as soon as the Trail is long enough. The objectives set by Kaikohe Rotary were to create a healthy fun event at a low cost that promoted the Cycle Trail and the region. The Club feels quietly satisfied with this first event but is already planning to do it even better next year. More details can be found at www.kaikoherotary.org .
